Researcher in fundamental and applied enzyme technology
Deadline: 27.03.2025
Publisert
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About The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) has about 180 employees, 80 PhD students and 500 BSc and MSc students. The faculty has 11 research groups within chemistry and biochemistry, microbiology and microbial gene technology, bioinformatics and data analysis, food science and nutrition. The Faculty has a state-of-the-art infrastructure for research and education: A biorefinery lab, proteomics platform, fermentation lab, a murine facility, platform for studies of microbial regulation of GHG release and a small-scale pilot plant for processing of food, incl. a microbrewery. Additionally, KBM has a strong competence in enzymology, fermentation and biorefining. KBM aims at a strong research position and collaborates in networks and research projects both nationally and internationally.
Researcher Position at NMBU – Development of novel enzyme technology for valorization of biomass
About the position
The Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science (KBM) at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) is looking for an experienced researcher to contribute to two newly started projects on the enzymatic valorization of chitin-rich biomass.
The position is for 3 years and linked to two related projects:
1. ChitoVal - Integrated biorefining of chitin-rich biomass, funded by the Research Council of Norway.
2. MycoCircle – Upcycling mushroom waste to replace animal derived chemicals, funded by EU’s Horizon program through HORIZON-JU-CBE-2024 (Circular Bio-based Europe Joint Undertaking)
The biomasses addressed in these projects are fungal cell mass from the fermentation and mushroom industries and side fractions from the processing of krill and insects. Several industries participate in these projects.
The projects entail the development of enzymatic processes for fractionation of the biomass, enrichment of the chitin fraction, and the development of innovative enzyme technology for further valorization of the chitin fraction. The projects include bioprocess development and upscaling of enzyme production and enzymatic conversion processes.
The inspiring environment at the host group at NMBU (the Protein Engineering and Proteomics group led by Professors Vincent Eijsink and Gustav Vaaje-Kolstad), the high ambitions of the projects, and our vibrant international networks provide ample opportunities to do good research and excellent career development opportunities.
Main tasks
Develop enzymatic processes for biomass fractionation, including downstream processing, at laboratory and small pilot scale.
Analysis of process fractions and end products; detailed characterization of chitin and chitin-derived products
Gene cloning and protein expression
Protein production (incl. purification) and characterization
Develop chemo-enzymatic technology to convert chitin to chitosan, chito-oligosaccharides, and derivatives thereof
Play a leading role in the team working on the abovementioned two projects
Competence
Required qualifications
A PhD in biochemistry or bioprocessing, or similar.
Experience in working with polysaccharides, preferably chitin and related compounds.
Experience in the analytical methods needed to study polysaccharides and polysaccharide-derived products, preferably chitin and chitin-derived products.
Experience in biomass processing, both at lab-scale and small pilot-scale.
Only applicants with all, or almost all, of these qualifications will be considered.
Qualifications considered an advantage
Candidates who have some years of research experience after obtaining the PhD are preferred.
Experience in advanced chitin-specific analytical techniques, such as NMR
Experience in working in multi-partner projects
Experience in project management
Experience in protein engineering and design
Personal qualities
We are looking for bright and ambitious researcher who sees working in our group as a perfect opportunity to develop his/her research careers.
The ideal candidate will combine (and be able to document) the following personal qualities:
Curious and open-minded
Ambitious, accurate and self-driven
Genuinely interested in scientific research and its industrial applications.
Good social and collaborative skills
Good communicative skills, both oral and written, in English (candidates who are invited for an interview will be required to give a short research presentation in English as part of the recruitment process).
Remuneration and further information
The position is placed in position code 1109 Researcher (NOK 604900 -700000) depending on qualifications. The position follows ordinary meriting regulations.
For more information, potential applicants may contact:
Send application electronically via the link "Apply for this job" at the top of this page. This will route you to the University's Web Recruitment System, where you will need to register an account (if you have not already) and log in before completing the online application form. Please note that this is the only way to apply for the position.
Application Deadline: 27.03.2025
Your CV must be entered in Jobbnorge's CV form and not just included as an attachment. This is to be able to comply with the regulations in the Public Administration Act §15.
Documents that cannot be sent electronically may be sent in by ordinary mail marked 25/01073 to the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Biotechnology and Food Science, P.O. Box 5003, NO-1432 Ås, and need to reach us at the latest one week after the application deadline.
The following must be included in the application:
Cover letter
CV
Copies of diplomas and other relevant certificates
Up to ten publications selected by the applicant as most relevant must be attached to the application. If it is difficult to identify the contribution of the applicant in multiple-author publications, a short explanation about the applicant’s part of the work is suggested.
Applicants who are invited to an interview must be able to present certified copies of diplomas and certificates.
